Captain Graeme Smith scored his 17th Test century and Hashim Amla his sixth as South Africa ended the first day of their first Test against Bangladesh at 299-1.

Smith was batting on 138 after only 81 overs could be bowled following two rain interruptions, and Amla was on 103. Bangladesh had opportunities to dismiss the pair but chances were dropped and Smith and Amla took control of the game after Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful had won the toss and put South Africa in to bat.

Smith was in the 80s when wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim missed a stumping chance. He was then dropped on 118 at short leg. Amla was on 93 when he offered a chance , but the catch to first slip went down. Smith hit 14 fours and a six in his innings, while Amla reached his century off 149 balls with 10 fours.

The Bangladesh seamers extracted some movement and bounce from a lively pitch in the morning session, and Smith lost his opening partner Neil McKenzie with the total on 102. Mashrafe Mortaza and Mahbubul Alam opened the bowling for Bangladesh, and each conceded just 18 runs from their opening spells of eight overs each.

Brief scores

South Africa (1st Inngs) 299/1(G Smith batting 138, H Amla batting 102, N McKenzie 42).